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𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐘-𝐎𝐍𝐄

𝐋𝐈𝐙 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐇𝐀𝐒 𝐀𝐋𝐖𝐀𝐘𝐒 had a nac for sensing when something was wrong with the people she cared about before being told. It was like a super power. She may not know exactly what was wrong, only that she knew something was deep in their mind and they weren't telling full truths. She felt it with her parents and Ester. She felt it with Jasper after the incident at Bella's party. She felt it with Jessica when her and Mike finally ended things for good, at least that is what she claims. And she felt it when Angela was struggling to deal with her mother's illness.

Now as she sat with Angela at the park, both watching Hallie play with a couple other kids in the jungle gym, Liz could tell there was something on Angela's mind. It has been almost a week since Liz passed her final exam, celebrating with all her friends and boyfriend by going to Mitch's show and watching him perform. It was a Thursday afternoon and Angela had asked Liz to accompany her to the park in order to keep Hallie out of the house a bit longer.

Apparently Mrs. Weber is at a doctor's appointment and ever since her parents sat Hallie down and told her how critical her illness was, Hallie has not been handling the idea that her mom is going to die very well. She has been clinging to her side and even had a freak out the last time she returned home from school and her mother wasn't in her bed waiting for her. She feared the worst. So Angela thought it would be best to avoid heading straight home, though it had taken some convincing to get Hallie to play with the other kids. The only thing that worked was when Liz told her that she invited Mitch and should be here soon to play with her, that seemed to have gotten her excited.

Mitch has basically adopted Hallie as a little sister. Angela constantly jokes that she likes him better than her, to which Liz honestly agrees. Mitch never minded, he claimed he always wanted a little sister, now he has three, including both Liz and Angela.

But as the two girls sat on the bench with the other guardians, Liz could feel there was something Angela wanted to talk to her about, but had been holding back. She tried to let Angela come out and say it on her own, but after the fifth time Angela glanced at her, opening her mouth like she was going to say it but then decided against it, Liz couldn't help but pry.

"What's on your mind, Ang?"

The dark haired girl turned to her, a bit startled by her question. "Huh? Nothing's on my mind."

Liz narrowed her blue at her friend. "Come on, it's me you're talking to. I know you want to tell me something and you acting all jittery and weird is making me really nervous. So please, for both our sanities, spill."

Angela closed her eyes and shook her head, chuckling to herself. "I'm sorry. This is honestly really stupid and I don't know why I'm so nervous to talk to you about it."

"You can talk to me about anything," Liz assured the girl in a gentle voice. "Is it your mom?"

"No. Nothing other than the regular." Angela insisted, shaking her head. She remained quiet for a second and just when Liz was about to explode with anticipation, Angela spoke again. "Something weird happened the other day."

"Oh? 'Haha' weird or 'what the actually hell' weird?"

"A little bit of both."

Liz raised her brows. "Okay, you have me intrigued. Spill the tea, Weber."

"So I was grocery shopping on Tuesday and I ran into Paul." She blurted out and Liz suddenly became anxious, praying Paul didn't do anything or say anything to weird her out. He has actually been keeping a distance, his claims being because of Victoria still being out there and he wants to catch her as quickly as possible, though he has been keeping an eye on his imprint more frequently now. At least, that is what he said before the Cullens came back. Paul and Liz haven't really spoken since their return.

"O-kay..." Liz trailed off. "Did he do something bad?"

Angela immediately shook her head. "No. Not at all. He was actually very nice and helped me get the cereal that was shoved in the back."

"Why is this weird?" Liz inquired, tilting her head to the side.

"Because he's your ex-best friend. I don't know how to act around him. Besides, it's not like we were ever friends before. We used to hang out because of you"

"True, but if you are worried I'll be upset, don't be. I told you, Paul and I, we're good. We talked, like we actually talked. It was intense but we worked things out."

"So are you two..." Angela paused, not knowing how to finish the question, but Liz knew what she was trying to say.

"No. No, but I don't think he's dead to me anymore. I don't think we will ever get that close friendship we once had back. But he apologized sincerely about how everything went down and about not coming to the funeral and I accepted."

"Okay good." Angela said in a bit of relief, taking a sip of her water bottle.

The blonde narrowed her eyes at her best friend. "What?"

"Hmm?"

"What else aren't you telling me?"

Angela cleared her throat. "Uhh, he may or may not have asked for my number and I may or may not have given it to him."

"Angela Weber!" Liz gasped in shock, grinning widely. She knew she wanted Paul to keep Angela out of their world, but if this was his way of asking her out, Liz wasn't upset in the slightest. Though she does wish he had chosen to be friends first like she requested, but she can't deny that she kind of was a bit happy that Angela might be trying to get back out there after breaking up with Eric.

"Stop! It's not like that, okay? He asked for my help in chemistry because he's failing. He has to go to summer school this summer to make it up. And I felt compelled to say yes after he saved Hallie that day on the beach." Angela explains, her cheeks tinting red. Liz presses her lips together knowingly and averted her eyes, to which Angela caught and frowned. "What?"

Liz debated for a brief moment if she should tell her the truth, not wanting to expose Paul or whatever plan he hatched to get closer to his imprint. But then again, Liz did not like lying to her friends more than she already was and she is pretty sure Angela is going to figure it out rather quickly. "Ang, if there is one subject Paul has always excelled at, it's Science. And he took Chemistry his sophomore year... which he aced. If he is going to summer school, it is definitely not for Chemistry."

Angela's jaw dropped in surprise. "Why would he lie to me?"

"I think he might want to spend time with you and didn't know how else to ask."

"But why? I can't waste my time like that. I only agreed because of the whole Hallie thing."

"Ang, is it so hard to believe he might just want to hang out with you because he might like you?"

"Has he said something to you?" She immediately questioned curiously. Liz pressed her lips into a thin line, realizing she definitely should have kept her mouth shut. "He has. Liz, tell me."

The blonde sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "He hasn't said anything, really. But when he first met you, he did have a crush on you. Though he was eight years old at the time. But I just think he might have redeveloped the crush that day on the beach."

"But why?"

"Why what?"

"Why would he have a crush on me of all people?"

Liz gapped at her like she just said the stupidest thing in the world. "Why? Oh, I don't know, maybe it's because you're freakishly smart. Maybe because you are an amazing human being with one of the biggest hearts I've ever seen. Maybe because you're hot as hell. Why wouldn't he like you? You are the whole package."

Angela grew quiet after that, her face burning from the compliments as her attention went towards the kids running around, Hallie on the swings pumping her little legs as hard as she can. After a few more seconds, Angela finally spoke up.

"Is it wrong-" she paused, hesitating to finish her question.

"Is what wrong?"

"It hasn't been long since I broke up with Eric. He was my first boyfriend. I know we weren't going to always be together, but I still love him, even if I wasn't in love with him. Is it wrong to be..." Angela trailed off, trying to find the right words. "Curious about dating someone else so soon?"

Liz placed a hand on her arm comfortably. "Absolutely not. Girl, listen, you and Eric were great for a first relationship. But you two are going separately after graduation and it was easier to end it now. Plus, you just admitted you are not in love with him. You are allowed to be curious. And if you aren't ready to date, just tell Paul. Trust me, he will understand and he will wait. Just be friends for a bit, because he is a good friend to have. Trust me, I know."

Angela found herself smiling softly before pulling the girl into an embrace. "Thanks, Liz. I needed to hear that."

The girls were suddenly attacked in their embrace from behind by large arms circling around them and a very familiar voice filled the air. "Ah, I love group hugs."

"Mitch! You are suffocating us!" Liz said, causing the older blond to laugh and release before hopping over the bench from behind and landing right next to Angela, grinning at the two girls.

"What did I miss?"

"Nothing," Angela said the exact same time Liz said, "Angela is thinking about dating again." That caused the brunette to smack Liz on the arm.

Mitch just grinned at both of them. "Oooo, please do tell. Who's the lucky guy? Do I know him? Does this mean you are over Eric?"

"Why do you sound so excited about this?" Angela questioned him with a quirked brow.

Mitch simply shrugged. "Because I'm basically living off other people's romance. My own love life is going nowhere and my efforts to persuade a certain Cullen to leave his insanely beautiful yet very scary girlfriend for me are getting me nowhere."

Both girls couldn't help but laugh as Liz leaned over to look at him. "Don't tell me you are giving up so easily."

"Have you met me? Of course not. Emmett's just playing hard to get."

"You do realize you are being delusional, right? And if Rosalie finds out your plans, she'll most likely murder you."

Mitch simply sighed dramatically. "I know, but let me live in my delusional state a bit longer, okay? I'm very lonely and the only dates I've been on lately are hanging with you two losers and an adorable seven year old. Flirting with Emmett is pretty much the only highlight in my life right now. Let me enjoy it."

The three only laughed before going to find Hallie, who was more than excited to see Mitch and insisted the three adults play tag with a few other kids in the park. It turned out to be the best game of tag Liz has ever played, and if it wasn't for her knee, she definitely would have caught the little shit who kept teasing her for not being fast enough.

Damn brat.

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𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐇 final, attending school for the last few weeks felt like a mute point in Liz's mind. Like what could they possibly learn now that will affect them graduating? They should just be handed their diplomas the minute they pass the finals and be done with it. But then again, this was Liz's last chance to truly be with her childhood friends until they all go away to college and things... change for her.

Since meeting the Volturi, Liz's decision to become a vampire was no longer hers to make. Either she becomes one and soon, or she dies. Now both options are not the greatest, but becoming a vampire has always been a choice Liz knew she'd always make since realizing Jasper was the one, though she wasn't as eager to become one as Bella was. Mainly because of her family and friends.

How is she going to explain to them that she will never see them again? Will she have to fake her death? Break their hearts? Angela immediately flashed in her head at the moment. Willingly thinking Liz is dead on top of losing her mother? Liz isn't sure she can handle the thought of putting her through that. Then again, Angela is Paul's imprint, meaning she is bound to learn about the supernatural world eventually, so maybe Liz doesn't have to fake her death with Angela. But she could never see her again when turned. Paul would make sure of that.

It was all very anticlimactic.

Bella has made the decision to become a vampire quickly after graduation, to which the family has all agreed to, other than Edward. Carlisle and Esme both asked Liz what she wants to do the same, claiming it would be better suited for both girls to turn at the same time, this way the story they make up will be easier to spin if they do it together. Of course, they did not pressure her and neither did Jasper. He keeps telling her time and time again that it is her decision when she wants to make the transition.

Liz knew without a doubt she wants to be with Jasper for the rest of her life. She knows for a fact that she will never love anyone like she loves Jasper. So becoming a vampire was the right choice... but it scared her shitless. Despite being with the Cullens and having Jasper by her side, she can't help but be terrified that she might hurt someone. The images of those innocent tourists in Volterra and their horrific screams still haunted her dreams. Will she become that savage? Will she be able to control her thirst for human blood?

Liz knew it was the best option to turn with Bella after graduation. Neither Danny nor Ester know exactly what happened with the Volturi or her plans to transition, but at least she will not have to lie to them. Hell, at this point, she is starting to think Ester might not care anymore. The only person in her family she has to worry about is her Nana, who is definitely going to be the hardest to say goodbye too. But one thing is for sure... she is not going to turn until she sees her Nana one last time.

Once lunch rolled around, Jasper was waiting for her at her locker as usual with Alice. The small pixie vampire was grinning wildly and bouncing in excitement. Liz approached cautiously, brows raised as she got to her locker, desperately needing her coat as she had been freezing all morning.

"Why do you have that look on your face?" Liz asked her, immediately spinning her combination and grabbing her gray jacket.

"Because I just came up with an amazing idea." Alice beamed.

Liz turned to her boyfriend with a questionable look, who was shaking his head. "It's a horrible idea."

"Ah." Liz simply says, pulling on her jacket just as Alice hit Jasper on the chest.

"It's not a horrible idea," Alice defends, not letting him ruin her excitement as she faces Liz. "I'm going to throw a graduation party."

Liz's eyes widened at her words. "No, Jasper's right. That's the worst idea I've ever heard."

Alice never stopped grinning as she sighed dramatically. "Oh, come on. We'll invite the entire graduating class. We'll have plenty of snacks and refreshments. I even asked that friend of yours if he would like to provide us with music."

"Since when do you talk to Mitch?"

"Since she bombarded him when you were taking your final." Jasper informed her in amusement. "I think he only agreed because Emmett is going to be there."

The Chambers female couldn't help but chuckle at that, realizing after talking to Mitch yesterday, she really needs to find him someone to date. Someone who wasn't already taken and wasn't her best friend.

"Watch, it's going to be the best party ever!" Alice commented smugly, the three starting to make their way towards the cafeteria.

"Alice, are you forgetting what happened the last time you decided to throw a party?" Liz questioned, linking her hand with Jasper's, intertwining their fingers.

Alice simply rolled her eyes. "That entire thing was a freak accident. As long as we keep Bella away from any papers, I think we are safe." She didn't even wait for a response as she practically skips into the cafeteria ahead of them, the couple following not too far behind as Liz shares a look with Jasper, who had his signature lopsided grin on his lips.

"Are you okay with this?"

Jasper simply shrugged his shoulders. "Don't think any of us have a choice in the matter. Once Alice made up her mind, there was nothing stopping her."

The couple reached the table that was already filled with the usual crowd, including Bella and him. The worst part about remaining friends with Bella is she is also friends with Angela and them, so she naturally brings along Edward, much to Liz and Jasper's dismay. But the two were very good at avoiding him and Edward knew better than to attempt to talk to them. Though it never stopped him from sending them a few looks every now and then.

Liz barely sat down just as Alice made her big announcement. "I've decided to throw a party."

"After all, how many times are we going to graduate high school?" Jasper jokes, but only a select few understand his meaning. Liz pressed her lips in a thin line to keep herself from giggling and hide her amusement by burying her face in Jasper's shoulder. Everyone else was in complete shock at Alice's spontaneous idea.

"A party? At your place?" Angela questioned, pointing to the three siblings.

"I've never seen your house," said Jessica, stunned.

Eric leaned into the strawberry blonde. "No one's seen their house."

"I have," Liz states with an amused grin. "So has Bella. It's incredibly ugly and so old to the point it's falling apart. The decor is horrendous and they are infested with rats the size of this orange." She held up the orange on Angela's tray for example. "Right, Bella?"

Bella nodded in agreement. "Oh, yeah. Definitely. I've seen a couple cockroaches running around too."

The only one who seemed to believe them was Mike, whose eyes were wide in shock, his Adam's apple bobbing nervously. "R-Really?"

"No, you idiot. They are just messing with us." Eric rolled his eyes, before focusing back on Liz and Bella. "Right?"

Liz was more than happy to let this continue, but Bella had agreed with him, causing both boys to relax.

"Another party, Alice?" Edward questioned knowingly, causing the blonde to avert her eyes and ignore his confliction.

"It will be fun." Alice assured him.

Bella huffed softly. "Yeah, that's what you said last time."

"Well, I agree with Alice. A party sounds great." Liz immediately changed her mind, though she didn't fully believe her own words. She is so spiteful towards Edward that she absolutely hates that they are on the same page about something. It only made her want to do anything to not agree with him.

Edward sent her a brief glance, telling Liz that he in fact heard what little he could from her mind, but Liz couldn't care less and gritted her teeth.

Alice suddenly became quiet as she stared down at the table, slumping backwards in her seat. Everyone who has seen Alice have a vision became tense, looking at the girl briefly, but in a quick effect to direct the attention away from the small vampire, Bella distracted them by asking Angela if she needed help with her invitations, something Liz is supposed to do in a few days. She immediately took it as her cue to help with the distraction.

"Jess, how's the speech coming?"

The rest of the lunch was spent talking about Jessica's valedictorian speech and the party at the Cullen's house that would no doubt be spread around the whole school by the end of the day. All while both Liz and Bella were trying to ignore the troubling looks on Alice and Edward's features, especially when Alice whispered to Jasper in such a soft tone that caused her boyfriend to become stiffer than usual and a very angry and troubled look flashing on his face.

Liz knew immediately what this was about without being told. There are only two people Alice has been watching very closely that could cause such a reaction and Liz knew deep in her gut, it was not the Volturi.

Victoria is back in town.

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"𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐃𝐎𝐍'𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐊 𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐀 has anything to do with what's been going on in Seattle, do you?"

Liz had gotten a ride to and from school by Jasper, but the two were still hanging out in the driveway outside her house. She had already questioned him immediately after lunch about Alice's vision, to which he told her the truth, that Victoria is coming, tomorrow to be exact. But they are going to be waiting for her.

There were no secrets between them and Jasper always told her the truth straight out, knowing she shouldn't be left in the dark, especially if it includes her own life. He had told her about the unexplainable disappearances in Seattle and random killings. It has made everyone worry because they know that whoever is responsible for it, the Volturi will soon be involved, and they might just pay them a special visit to see if they held up to their promise.

It was all very nerve racking, the fact that there are who knows how many vampires in Seattle and the Volturi could make another visit... Liz felt woozy just thinking about seeing that freaky, vampire royalty again.

Jasper mulled over her question, but shook his head after a moment. "No. Alice would have seen it. They are two separate things."

Liz glanced up at her boyfriend. "So what are Bella and I supposed to do when this transpires? I know you well enough to know you won't be happy with me being home."

Jasper found a way to crack a smile. "No, I won't be. Alice said Bella is going to use the plane tickets to go visit her mom in Jacksonville. They were two tickets, so maybe you can go with her."

"Oh yeah. Leaving the state unexpectedly again, that's going to go over well at home." Liz sarcastically mutters, already dreading the conversation.

"I'm sure both Danny and Ester will understand once you explain the situation. I'm hoping Danny will inform Sam and the pack can maybe help us out, seeing as Victoria is not afraid to cross into their territory."

"Help you guys out? Hell no. They would never do that." Liz states, shaking her head. "But killing a vampire crossing onto their lands, I'm sure you can expect them to show up."

"Good. Because if she crosses onto their lands, there is nothing we can do without getting killed ourselves."

Liz huffed, fiddling with her fingers nervously, a migraine slowly forming in its usual spot between the eyes. "I just wish we didn't have to worry about all of this."

Sensing her worry, Jasper did his best to calm her nerves, but when he realized he was having a hard time due to her defect of his abilities, he placed his hands over hers to stop the endless movement. "Hey, look at me." Liz lifted her gaze to meet his, the blond male sending her a reassuring grin. "We have an advantage. We are going to get her and I need you to believe me when I tell you this, she will never lay another finger on you ever again. I promise you."

"You can't promise that," Liz mutters tiredly, the pain between her eyes growing.

"I can and I just did." Jasper expressed with a stern tone to his voice. "I'm going to break her for hurting you."

"My knight in shining sparkles." Jasper rolled his eyes at the comment, this not being the first time she has made a joke about a vampire's affect in the sunlight. Despite the pain, Liz can't help but smile up at him. "I love you, Jasper Hale."

Jasper brushed her bushy curls back, cupping her face. "And I love you, Liz Chambers. So much."

When he brought her in for a kiss, a part of Liz hoped he would never stop. Because if he stopped, then she would have to go back inside, to a sister who is pissed at her and a brother-in-law who can't stand being put in the middle of the sisters anymore to the point it is causing a rift in his marriage. She will have to face the reality that there is still a crazy, vindictive, psycho vampire who wants her and her friend dead and have to worry about her loved ones risking their own lives trying to capture her.

Kissing Jasper took her to another world, one where it was just the two of them and they were in peaceful, drama free bliss. Unfortunately, that is not the reality of their life and they will eventually have to come up for air.

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This is my birthday present to myself and to all of you. It's not the best chapter, just it's another chapter in less than two days! Whoohoo!

Love you all! Enjoy!